urban views weekly april 1, 2015

Apr. 1, 2015 Scholar of the Week – Chynna Stewart

The Easter Story is the promise of Resurrection

2 Urban Views Weekly | April 1, 2015 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

The Deal

Letter ToThe Editor

VOL. 8, ISSUE 13

Urban Views Weekly, LLC6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410Richmond, VA 23230Office: (804) 441-6255Fax: (888) 439-2534

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By Jason Alderman

Crowdfunding – the online method of raising money from people around the world – is less than a decade old, allowing artists, activists and a growing number of entrepreneurs to connect with financial support far outside the conventional lending system.

Here’s how crowdfunding works. Through sites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo or RocketHub, campaigners seeking funding create a pitch that educates potential funders – or “backers,” as they’re often called – on their project. Campaigns share their funding goal and the various rewards backers will receive for taking part; backers respond with pledges made via credit card. If the campaign meets its goal and deadline, the crowdfunding site activates all the card-based pledges and the campaign is funded.

While estimates vary widely, research organization Massolution (http://www.crowdsourcing.org/editorial/2013cf-the-crowdfunding-industry-report/25107) put 2013 crowdfunding revenue at $5.1 billion globally. Many crowdfunding efforts today are

artistic or cause-based, but that is expected to change in the near future.

Implementing the crowdfunding provisions of the 2012’s Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act (https://www.sec.gov/spotlight/jobs-act.shtml), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is putting final touches on regulations allowing ordinary investors to participate in equity crowdfunding for the first time. This would mean that business owners could raise money via the web in exchange for a piece of ownership in their company.

Because the process of crowdfunding is relatively easy compared to other means of obtaining capital, some might neglect to research potentially unfavorable tax, financial, or legal implications from their campaign. Potential crowdfunding campaigners might want to make a preliminary call to a qualified tax adviser, financial planner, or an attorney before launching any online fundraising effort. Individuals, companies, and nonprofits have different tax issues and financial

Crowdfunding and Taxes: What You Should Know

continues on page 4

If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste. E-mail (without attachments) to [email protected]. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

Network with other African American business owners, managers, and professionals. This is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and

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April 9, 20158:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

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CorrectionThe March 25, 2015 Scholar of the Week, Austyn Brown, was reported to be a student at John Marshall when indeed she is a student at Richmond Community High School.

3 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com Urban Views Weekly | April 1, 2015

Scholar of the Week

While some may be discouraged about constantly being in and out of hospitals, Chynna Stewart was encouraged to become a part. Even as a child, Chynna dreamed of offering a helping hand in the life of another person. Her passion for nursing started when she was only 7 or 8, and being raised in a home by her great grandmother and grandmother was a big influence. When their health declined and she saw the nurses, nursing assistants and home health care aides in action, her desire grew. As a child, her great grandmother suffered from a stroke which resulted in a nurse coming to the house every day to take care of her. After getting used to the schedule, she would often help the nurse and learned what to do if the nurse was not there. “The amount of care, concern and genuine care that the caregivers provided peaked my interest in the nursing field,” Chynna stated in an essay.

As a senior at John Marshall High School, she currently has a 3.9 GPA. In order to pursue her dreams, she plans to go to college and get a degree in nursing. Her top college of choice is Old Dominion University in Norfolk. To prepare for college, she participates in extracurricular activities such as cheerleading and the National Honor Society. These programs taught her how to balance extracurricular activities with her school work. “They taught me how to keep my grades up, knowing that if my grades weren’t up that I wouldn’t still be in them.”

With the National Honor Society, she is able to volunteer, but one of her favorite activities is participating in a leadership program at the Northside YMCA called Leaders Club. With Leaders Club, she is able to be herself with friends and do a lot of fitness activities. She is the vice president of Leaders Club and manages the club meeting agenda, executive meetings, and fundraiser tracking.

“Leaders Club teaches you to believe in yourself and have enthusiasm in everything you do,” Chynna said. “We work on team building but also how to get out of your shell and express yourself in a positive manner.” At the program Chynna and others work on spirit, mind and body; learn to be a dependable hard worker; and learn how to be dedicated to all tasks they choose to complete.

Chynna describes herself as having an open personality and being very friendly. Her mother’s dedication and hard work is one motivating force in her life. As the youngest grandchild, she was often surrounded by many other family members who cared for her, took care of everything she needed, made her feel safe, and kept her healthy. She hopes to one day be able to care for others in the same way. “I want to become a nurse because I would love to have the same effect on another person,” Chynna said. “I want someone to know as long as they are in my care they will remain safe and healthy.

By Janeal Downs

Chynna Stewart of John Marshall High School

GPA: 3.9

College of Interest: Old Dominion University

Major Community Service: Leaders Club at the YMCA, National Honor Society

Strong Interests: Nursing and English

Favorite Activities: Cheerleading, volunteering at Leaders Club

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Scholar0of the Week™


precedents that could blunt the

effectiveness of any fundraising campaign.

Depending on the fundraising goal and how that money will be handled in the aftermath of the campaign, experts say some situations may call for a particular legal entity to be formed in advance. If appropriate, participants could seek guidance to form an actual business (https://www.sba.gov/writing-business-plan) or nonprofit (https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/business-planning-nonprofits) entity. Discussing structural issues in advance will not only help with tax issues, but also lead to better strategies for fundraising and long-term mission.

Beneficiaries should also consider any potential tax issues they could face as recipients of money from crowdfunding campaigns. Depending on individual circumstances, crowdfunding a person’s unpaid medical bills may have significantly different tax ramifications than crowdfunding one’s independent film project. It is not enough to consider the tax issues for

the campaign and campaigners. Beneficiaries require their own due diligence to make sure crowdfunding provides the most efficient solution for their needs.

Finally, backers should consider whether they have any tax questions about their support. To date, most crowdfunding supporters give such small amounts tax issues don’t really surface. That may change in the future as crowdfunding moves into the commercial arena. No matter what the circumstance, any potential crowdfunding backer who works with a qualified tax, financial, or legal professional should consider asking if there are more efficient ways to offer support.

Bottom line: If you are interested in crowdfunding either as a campaigner, a beneficiary or a backer, research a potential project thoroughly and consider getting individualized tax, financial, or legal advice before you proceed.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

Resurrection is an American fantasy drama series on network television about dead people who return to life. This weekend the high holy day of Christendom is being celebrated in the honoring of the crucifixion, burial, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Religious scholars may argue as to whether the birth of Jesus or his death and resurrection is the more important holiday, but practicing Christians hold both as the cornerstones of their religious beliefs and practice. Coinciding with Easter, a more secular articulation of the “religious” festival that uses a large bunny rabbit and candy-filled colorful baskets with decorated eggs as a type of counter-cultural response to the religious ceremony many call Resurrection Sunday, is the Jewish High Holiday called Passover.

The confluence of culture, religious practice, and community-oriented activities, such as parades and Easter egg rolls on the White House lawn, richly reflect the deep multilayered pluralistic ethos that is the American landscape. It works for all involved. And, for those who have no desire or inclination to participate or whose own religious or cultural practice run counter to any of the above listed, it is just another weekend. Right? Perhaps, it is. It could be emblematic of how we can believe what we believe and allow others to do the same without having to consume, oppress, or conquer them. We can, in fact, co-exist without denigrating or marginalizing those who do not believe or practice what we do.

A dictionary definition explains resurrection as a means to bring back to life that which has been previously dead; the act of making something exist again or starting to use something again after it has disappeared, been forgotten, or stopped being used. Inherent in the definition is an opportunity to begin again, or to have another chance at doing

something or becoming something. Hmmmm, a do-over with a clean slate?

Who would not want the opportunity to rewrite a particular chapter in history or re-live a particular moment or event of your own personal story or relationship with a

specific person at a precise time? What’s that old idiom say? Hindsight is 20/20. If we had known then what we know now, we would have done something different. And, if we had done something different, we probably wouldn’t be facing

what we are facing today.

Each year when we arrive at this moment where many of us celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, or for my Jewish sisters and brothers the Passover, where God passed over Jewish households and exempted them from the curse spoken by Pharaoh that sentenced all of Egypt’s first-born to death, we should take this time to reflect on how we might use the spirit of the event as more than just a holiday gathering, remembrance, or celebration but more as an opportunity to DO something in our lives or with our lives that replicates the spirit of resurrection and/or second chances. Can we make amends with a family member or friend, or reconnect with a dream or a vision, a disenfranchised employer or employee? Is it possible to spare someone or exempt them from consequences that they should receive? If we embrace the “spirit” of the holiday we celebrate and live its principles, instead of just dressing up for the day in our fine clothes and bonnets or gathering for a meal, then we may cause something to happen that’s truly transformational with eternal consequences for all involved. Is the Resurrection really real, or just an American fantasy television drama?

Up Next Week: Don’t pat yourself on the back….

TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly PollSafety is always a concern of everyone who flies, or contemplates it. Documents show that a Germanwings co-pilot is believed to have locked the pilot out of the cockpit, deliberately setting the plane on a lethal descent into the French Alps last week. Some international airlines responded to the crash by introducing new rules requiring that two crew members always be present in the cockpit. What’s Your Take? Has this incident affected your willingness to fly? Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2pm on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com.

ViewPoints By Dr. T From The Deal: page 2

Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D.Founder and Artistic DirectorThe Conciliation Project andAssociate ProfessorVirginia Commonwealth UniversityDrT@Margins2theCenter.comwww.theconciliationproject.org

Resurrection…really?

Save the Date: Thursday, April 16, 2015Kindergarten Registration


Intersection Improvements atPatterson Avenue and Parham Road

Henrico CountyPublic Information Meeting

Tuesday, April 7, 2015, 5 – 7 p.m.Tuckahoe Library

1901 Starling DriveHenrico, VA 23229

Come see and hear about plans to improve the intersection of Patterson Avenue (Route 6) and Parham Road in Henrico County. This improvement will increase the capacity and safety of the intersection and reduce traffic congestion, particularly during peak travel hours.

The meeting will be held in an open house format from 5 - 7 p.m. where individuals can talk one-on-one with project staff. This flexible format allows participants to arrive whenever their schedule will allow.

Give your written comments at the meeting or submit them by April 17, 2015 to Jason Zhang, P.E., project manager, Virginia Department of Transportation, 2430 Pine Forest Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834-9002, 804-524-6153, 800-367-7623 or TDD/TTY 711. You may also email your comments to [email protected]. Please reference “Intersection improvements in Henrico comments” in the subject line.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information in regards to your civil rights on this project or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact the project manager at the telephone number listed above.

* In the event of inclement weather on April 7, this meeting will be held April 15 at the same time at Gayton Library (10600 Gayton Road, Henrico, VA 23238).

State Project: 0006-043-760, P101, R201, C501Federal Project: STP-5A27 (090)

Call: (804) 441-6255 Find out what we can do for your business.

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On Tuesday, March 31, 2015, Peabody Middle School, in Petersburg, VA, will kick off its “GEAR UP” College Preparation program. As part of the program, nearly 300 seventh graders at Peabody Middle School (PMS) will receive additional help preparing for post-secondary education thanks to a $22 million federal grant that will be split among 16 Virginia school divisions.

Under the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), PMS students in this year’s seventh grade class (the class of 2020) will have the opportunity to participate in the program now through their first year of college or postsecondary study.

GEAR UP will offer students the chance to participate in summer bridge

programs, free college tours, academic workshops, tutoring, leadership development classes, career development activities, mentoring, financial aid workshops, and college preparation summer academies.

To kick off the program, PMS will host a “Welcome to GEAR UP” event at 6 p.m. on Tuesday March 31, 2015 at PMS, 725 Wesley Street, Petersburg, VA. During the event, students and their families will be introduced to the Gear Up program and learn about upcoming events. Students, parents and family members are encouraged to attend to learn more about GEAR UP and college planning.

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) will administer the grant over the next seven years.

The Last SupperMark 14:16-18The disciples left, came to the city, found everything just as he had told them, and prepared the Passover meal. After sunset he came with the Twelve. As they were at the supper table eating, Jesus said, “I have something hard but important to say to you: One of you is going to hand me over to the conspirators, one who at this moment is eating with me.”

Mark 14:22-25In the course of their meal, having taken and blessed the bread, he broke it and gave it to them. Then he said, Take, this is my body.Taking the chalice, he gave it to them, thanking God, and they all drank from it. He said, This is my blood, God’s new covenant, Poured out for many people. “I’ll not be drinking wine again until the new day when I drink it in the kingdom of God.”

The BetrayalMatthew 26:47-49The words were barely out of his mouth when Judas (the one from the Twelve) showed up, and with him a gang from the high priests and religious leaders brandishing swords and clubs. The betrayer had worked out a sign with them: “The one I kiss, that’s the one—seize him.” He went straight to Jesus, greeted him, “How are you, Rabbi?” and kissed him.

Matthew 27:1-2, 23-26In the first light of dawn, all the high priests and religious leaders

met and put the finishing touches on their plot to kill Jesus. Then they tied him up and paraded him to Pilate, the governor. He objected, “But for what crime?”But they yelled all the louder, “Nail him to a cross!”When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere and that a riot was imminent, he took a basin of water and washed his hands in full sight of the crowd, saying, “I’m washing my hands of responsibility for this man’s death. From

now on, it’s in your hands. You’re judge and jury.”The crowd answered, “We’ll take the blame, we and our children after us.” Then he pardoned Barabbas. But he had Jesus whipped, and then handed over for crucifixion.

Jesus Led Away, MockedMatthew 27:27-31The soldiers assigned to the governor took Jesus into the governor’s palace and got the entire brigade together for some fun. They stripped him and dressed him in a red toga. They plaited a crown from branches of a thornbush and set it on his head. They put a stick in his right hand for a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mocking reverence: “Bravo, King of the Jews!” they said. “Bravo!” Then they spit on him and hit him on the head with the stick. When they had had their fun, they took off the toga and put his own clothes back on him. Then they proceeded out to the crucifixion.

Luke 23: 26-31As they led him off, they made Simon, a man from Cyrene who happened to be coming in from the countryside, carry the cross behind Jesus. A huge crowd of people followed, along with women weeping and carrying on. At one point Jesus turned to the women and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children. The time is coming when they’ll say, ‘Lucky the women who never conceived! Lucky the wombs that never gave birth! Lucky the breasts that never gave milk!’ Then they’ll start calling to the mountains, ‘Fall down on us!’ calling to the hills, ‘Cover us up!’ If people do these things to a live, green tree, can you imagine what they’ll do with deadwood?”

6 Urban Views Weekly | April 1, 2015

The Easter StoryAs Told in Message Bible (MSG)

The CrucifixionLuke 23:33-35When they got to the place called Skull Hill, they crucified him, along with the criminals, one on his right, the other on his left.Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.”Dividing up his clothes, they threw dice for them. The people stood

there staring at Jesus, and the ringleaders made faces, taunting, “He saved others. Let’s see him save himself! The

Messiah of God—ha! The Chosen—ha!”

Luke 23:44-47By now it was noon. The whole earth became

dark, the darkness lasting three hours—a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the

middle. Jesus called loudly, “Father, I place my life in your hands!” Then he breathed his last.When the captain there saw what happened, he honored God: “This man was innocent! A good man, and innocent!”

Jesus is Risen Mark 16:1-7When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could embalm him. Very early on Sunday morning,

as the sun rose, they went to the tomb. They worried out loud to each other, “Who will roll back the stone from the tomb for us?”Then they looked up, saw that it had been rolled back—it was a huge stone—and walked right in. They saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed all in white. They were completely taken aback, astonished.He said, “Don’t be afraid. I know you’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He’s been raised up; he’s here no longer. You can see for yourselves that the place is empty. Now—on your way. Tell his disciples and Peter that he is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You’ll see him there, exactly as he said.”

Received up into HeavenMark 16:19-20Then the Master Jesus, after briefing them, was taken up to heaven, and he sat down beside God in the place of honor. And the disciples went everywhere preaching, the Master working right with them, validating the Message with indisputable evidence.

Luke 24:51-53He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven.And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes.

Why Christians CelebrateJohn 3:16-18

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

7 www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

He is Risen


Part two of two part series

Challenging finances and what feels like an onslaught of “bad press” can be part of the nonprofit experience. Addressing these is what leadership is all about. Keep an eye to the future, talk with your donors and stakeholders, and find a game-changing way to engage the community. This is the story of Regional One Health and its foundation.

Tammie Ritchey, Vice President of Development and Executive Director of Regional One Health Foundation in Memphis Tennessee knows what it’s like to weather the storm. First, executive leaders took time to personally share strategic directions and vision with major donors, keeping them in the loop. The foundation board played a major role too, and continues to do so.

Ritchey proudly promotes the foundation board, “I sincerely believe we have one of the strongest board of directors around. They are all quite brilliant in their own lives outside of the board and very successful men and women. They are dedicated to Regional One Health, they believe in the vision, and they all work passionately on our behalf. They challenge me every day to go harder, to push further, to give more to the patients and families we serve. And we have several members who held on with us during some very challenging times. It was very difficult to be on a fundraising board and not be able to raise a lot of funds because of the public’s perception of the hospital at that time.”

But that has changed. The foundation now hosts a sell-out gala that is nothing short

of spectacular. How did it get started? By a board member! “The gala started when then board member, Leigh Shockey, asked her friend, legendary producer David Guest to bring a soul review that he was doing in London to Memphis and allow the money raised to go to the then MED. He agreed and she recruited board member Susan Arney to assist her with this. The first gala had 14 artists and was put together in eight weeks!” Ritchey explains.

“We used the gala specifically as a way to challenge and change the business

community’s and donor community’s public perception of us. It’s very important that our gala guests have a one-of-a-kind, first class experience – just like what we strive for with

our patients and their families when they use our services. The first year we held the gala people said they were happy to support us, but they were unsure about what the experience would be like – so in a way it was a bit of a test.”

The foundation clearly passed the test, as the event is an annual sell out with people who literally buy their tables a year ahead of time.

You can learn more about Regional One Health Foundation at www.regionalonehealthfoundation.org or by calling (901) 545-8373.

Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw

Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising visit www.saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

FUNdraising Good Times

From challenge to success

Civic Beat

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CALL TODAY! (804) 441-6255


Martin’s Donates $1.6 Million In 2014 To Central Virginia Community

MARTIN’S Food Markets today announced its charitable donations made in 2014 totaled $1.6 million in combined cash and product contributions from customers, vendors, and associates. MARTIN’S is committed to supporting organizations that help eradicate hunger and improve the quality of life for children throughout the communities it serves, and companywide donated $27 million in 2014.

“These are extraordinary results that reflect the deep heritage and commitment our associates have to helping our neighbors,” said Tom Lenkevich, MARTIN’S president. “Thank you to our associates, customers, and vendors who joined with us in 2014 to support hunger relief efforts while doing all we can to help the youngest residents of our communities – our kids.”

Fighting Hunger

As a food retailer, MARTIN’S recognizes the important role it can play in hunger relief efforts, and in 2014 donations to FeedMore and local pantries collectively received a total of $872,727. With MARTIN’S “Meat the Needs” program, the grocer freezes meat that would otherwise go unsold, but is still safe to consume, and donates it to regional food bank partners. FeedMore received 316,137 pounds of frozen meat from MARTIN’S in 2014. Customers gave generously during the Share a Holiday Meal, donating $100,177 to support Richmond and Williamsburg area families in need.

Helping Kids

In 2014, MARTIN’S customers, associates, and vendors also came together to help donate

hope and create miracles for children throughout its operating area by funding state-of-the-art medical care, life-saving research, and preventative education at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. A total of $171,186 was raised in 2014. Since 1996, MARTIN’S has donated more than $37 million to local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals, making them one of the top 10 fundraisers in the country for CMN. MARTIN’S ranks #2 in per-store fundraising for CMN in the country.

MARTIN’S is also committed to helping kids in education with its A+ School Rewards program. More than 300 Central Virginia area public and private schools received $106,067 during the 2013-14 school year to fund scholarship programs, technology equipment, and other educational needs. Since A+ School Rewards launched in 2005, more than $19 million has been donated to local schools.

Supporting Communities

In addition to its efforts to fight hunger and help kids, MARTIN’S customers and associates also showed their support for local men and women serving in the Armed

Forces by generously donating more than $26,910 through the annual Support Our Troops campaign which benefits USO of Hampton Roads and Central Virginia and the Wounded Warrior Project.

MARTIN’S also provided more than $325,000 in contributions to local community groups and various nonprofit organizations throughout its market area, impacting tens of thousands of individuals and families.


Richmond City Schools adopts 100% tobacco-free policy

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The Richmond City Health District congratulates Richmond Public Schools for adopting a 100%

tobacco free policy that restricts smoking and use of any tobacco products on school property, school

grounds, and at school-sponsored events. Richmond City Health District is proud to partner with Richmond Public Schools to provide supporting classroom education that helps students learn about the

dangers of tobacco use and helps them make good decisions to resist the temptation to start using tobacco.

Each day, more than 3,200 people under the age of 18 smoke their first cigarette, and approximately 2,100 youth and

young-adults become daily smokers.

Parents and members of the public are encouraged to support our schools in the effort to protect the health of our youth and make

our community healthier.

Congratulations Richmond Public Schools

For more information, visit: www.rchd.com or www.vfhy.org

Richmond City Health District Working together for a healthier Richmond

The Richmond City Health District congratulates Richmond Public Schools on their designation as a Tobacco-Free School Zone. The Richmond City School system is acknowledged by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth for adopting a 100% tobacco-free policy that restricts smoking and the use of any tobacco or smoking products by anyone on school property, school grounds, and at school-sponsored events.

“School faculty and staff are role models for students, and this policy presents a positive example for students, as well as providing protection to our youth and others from unhealthy second-hand smoke,” said Dr. Dana T. Bedden, Richmond Public Schools Superintendent.

“Richmond City Health District is proud to partner with Richmond Public Schools to provide supporting classroom education that helps students learn about the dangers of tobacco use and hopefully will equip them to make good decisions and resist temptation to start smoking or using tobacco,” said Dr. Danny Avula, Richmond City Health District Deputy Director.

Each day, more than 3,200 people under age 18 smoke their first cigarette, and approximately 2,100 youth and young adults become daily smokers. In the general population, an estimated 88 million non-smoking Americans, including 54% of children aged 3 to 11 years, are exposed to second-hand smoke. In addition to other

harmful effects, second-hand smoke can trigger asthma attacks or

aggravate other breathing problems. More

than 11% of high school students in the United States have asthma, and studies suggest that youth who smoke

are more likely to develop asthma.

Richmond Public Schools Tobacco-Free Policy is an

important intervention. Comprehensive tobacco-free policies will reduce exposure to harmful effects of tobacco and prevent youth from starting use of tobacco. Parents and members of the public are encouraged to support our schools in this effort to protect the health of our youth and make our community healthier. For more information, visit www.vfhy.org/tobacco.

Ask us how: (804) 441-6255

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Every bride wants the perfect wedding and the perfect wedding dress. The church needs to be beautiful, the flowers to be vivid, and the music to be perfect.

Women in particular are prone to perfectionism when it comes to getting married. Wedding dresses have been mythologized in books, movies, and reality TV shows.

Choosing a bridal shop that fits your needs can save you valuable time, freeing you up to plan other wedding details. When you choose the best bridal shop for your needs, you have a good chance of finding your wedding dress.

Dress Styles

Before setting foot in a store, look through bridal magazines, research on the Internet, and attend bridal shows to understand current styles and colors. Find the most attractive styles for your taste. Will the style fit your body shape? Will it emphasize the right features and mask the ones you want to downplay?

After you have discovered a few styles you like, research bridal shops that have those styles. Some stores might even tutor you on which styles will be flattering on you. Some shops have ready-to-wear dresses that can be altered, while others make custom dresses. This option is more personalized, but also more costly.

Color and Size

Wedding dresses are traditionally white, but you can choose different shades of white - like platinum. All whites are not the same, so look for a tone that gives you a natural glow.

But you don’t have to wear white. The new trend lends towards brighter colors and simpler styles. You can choose an entirely different color that will give your wedding personal flair.

As you compare bridal shops, check that each store offers a selection of dresses in your size. Curvy women should have many styles available.

How much room does the bridal dress have?

Remember that you must be comfortable in your dress. Weddings and receptions require sitting, standing, and even dancing.

You don’t want to get a dress, no matter how beautiful, that you can’t move comfortably in. A good retailer will encourage you to consider how the dress might feel in, and even suggest walking and sitting to see how the dress feels and looks.

Budget

Costs can vary according to the shop, the design of the dress, and the size. Some bridal boutiques will be able to accommodate a wide range of

price points. Others prefer to work with a more exclusive clientele.

Carefully plan out your budget and do your best to stay within the limits. Many shops will work with you to help you find something you will love that won’t break your finances.

Alterations

It is rare to find a bridal dress that fits perfectly from the moment you take it off the rack. Most

dresses will need to be altered. You will likely purchase your dress well in advance of the wedding date. Your body may change in the ensuing months.

You might have to make multiple trips to

the tailor in the days leading up to the wedding. Choose a bridal shop that makes alterations convenient.

Most importantly, don’t forget to budget for this service.

Convenience

Start by searching for stores in your ommunity. Researching local bridal shops on the Internet will give you a good source of information not only on the stores available in your area, but also what type of service and merchandise they have.

Keep tabs on your local newspapers. Mny bridal shops run ads and coupons and you could save a lot of money on your dress. Some local newspapers have special sections for brides which include the area bridal shops.

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How to Choose a Bridal Shop


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